Saturday, September 3
Denver, CO
12 p.m.
Montana State University
2-3
0
at
3
Denver
4-1
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State | 15 | 19 | 16 | 0 |
| Denver | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
Dana Vestman
Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
Bobcats Drop Two at Pioneer Classic
9/3/2016 7:39:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
The Montana State volleyball team dropped a pair of matches at the University of Denver Pioneer Classic, Saturday afternoon.
The Montana State volleyball team dropped a pair of matches at the University of Denver Pioneer Classic, Saturday afternoon. DU handed the Bobcats a 25-15, 25-19, 25-16 setback, before No. 20 Loyola Marymount fought off MSU for 28-26, 25-13, 25-16 decision to finish tournament play.
Against the Pioneers, Montana State (2-4) was led by Kiana Black with 10 kills and a team-best .562 attack mark. Junior middle blocker Audra Dugan also helped the Bobcat offense with six kills and a .357 hitting percentage.
Defensively, MSU was led by freshman libero Allyssa Rizzo with 13 digs, while Natalie Passeck added ten saves.
"We have some growing and learning to do in so many areas," said MSU head coach JJ Riley. "We're a work in progress and the challenge is staying the course and making sure everyone knows where we are trying to go and that they hold on to that vision."
The Bobcats came out on fire in its final match against LMU, ranked No. 20 in this week's AVCA Coaches Top 25 poll. After getting down 14-10 the Bobcats rattled off a 6-2 run to even the set at 16. The run was sparked by two kills each from Black and Passeck. The set was tied eight times down the stretch before the Lions used a MSU service error and a kill from Sarah Sponcil to win the game. The Cats held one set point at 24-23, but were unable to hold on for the victory.
The final two sets belonged to LMU as the Lions out-hit MSU .224 to -.030.
Sophomore Chase Doughty posted a team-high eight kills, while Black and Passeck each added seven. Rizzo guided MSU in the backrow with ten digs, while Dugan finished with a match-high five blocks.
"It was great to play against a team like LMU that plays great volleyball and plays very fast," Riley said. "It's one of those situations that will prepare us well for conference as they stress you the whole time.
"We played great that first set and played with a new composure and oneness that we hadn't seen so that is something we will focus on and build off of," Riley commented. "The preseason schedule is tough for a reason as we need to learn how to grow and make changes when stressed and challenged. If we can do that, we have something we can build on for the future."
MSU will be idle next weekend, before facing No. 1 Nebraska on Sept. 16 in Lincoln.
Against the Pioneers, Montana State (2-4) was led by Kiana Black with 10 kills and a team-best .562 attack mark. Junior middle blocker Audra Dugan also helped the Bobcat offense with six kills and a .357 hitting percentage.
Defensively, MSU was led by freshman libero Allyssa Rizzo with 13 digs, while Natalie Passeck added ten saves.
"We have some growing and learning to do in so many areas," said MSU head coach JJ Riley. "We're a work in progress and the challenge is staying the course and making sure everyone knows where we are trying to go and that they hold on to that vision."
The Bobcats came out on fire in its final match against LMU, ranked No. 20 in this week's AVCA Coaches Top 25 poll. After getting down 14-10 the Bobcats rattled off a 6-2 run to even the set at 16. The run was sparked by two kills each from Black and Passeck. The set was tied eight times down the stretch before the Lions used a MSU service error and a kill from Sarah Sponcil to win the game. The Cats held one set point at 24-23, but were unable to hold on for the victory.
The final two sets belonged to LMU as the Lions out-hit MSU .224 to -.030.
Sophomore Chase Doughty posted a team-high eight kills, while Black and Passeck each added seven. Rizzo guided MSU in the backrow with ten digs, while Dugan finished with a match-high five blocks.
"It was great to play against a team like LMU that plays great volleyball and plays very fast," Riley said. "It's one of those situations that will prepare us well for conference as they stress you the whole time.
"We played great that first set and played with a new composure and oneness that we hadn't seen so that is something we will focus on and build off of," Riley commented. "The preseason schedule is tough for a reason as we need to learn how to grow and make changes when stressed and challenged. If we can do that, we have something we can build on for the future."
MSU will be idle next weekend, before facing No. 1 Nebraska on Sept. 16 in Lincoln.
Team Stats
MSU
DEN
Kills
34
46
Errors
21
7
Attempts
102
97
Hitting %
.127
.402
Points
37.0
60.0
Assists
33
41
Aces
1
4
Blocks
2.0
10.0
Game Leaders
Kills
10
Aces
0
Blocks
1
Kills
6
Aces
0
Blocks
1
Kills
5
Aces
0
Blocks
0
Kills
4
Aces
0
Blocks
0
Players Mentioned
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's VolleyballMB
/ Women's VolleyballOH
/ Women's Volleyball
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